BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES

Summer is over and it is time to get ready for the new school year. With inflation rearing its ugly head, the price of books, uniforms, food and other necessities, persons are perhaps wondering how do I manage all of this and how do not allow the stress of this situation to affect my children.

Here are some tips to get you and your child(ren) into the right frame of mind to get back to school

- Change is good – the Bible tells us "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 – new adventures, new experiences, a chance for your child to develop their own independence

- Boundaries – you have done the hard work setting boundaries. Now it is up to your child to stick to those boundaries and to establish boundaries of their own

- Management – help your child to manage his or her new commitments. From setting homework timetable to limiting screen time. Now is the time to put your management skills to use

- Finances – budget, budget and budget. Cannot be stressed enough and yes we know times are tough. Pack a fruit rather than an unhealthy snack. Do homemade stuff to take as treats. Seek out secondhand items or keep an eye out for private organisations that have back to school giveaways

- Don’t Ignore Problems – if your child starts exhibiting unusual behaviour, check in with his or her teachers. Most schools have guidance counsellors on hand. Check in with them if you notice changes and your child won’t speak to you about those changes